Mitochondrial DNA haplogroup H as a risk factor for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy in Spanish population.

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) is a structural heart disease with strong genetic background. The different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that constitute mitochondrial haplogroups could play an important role in IDC progression. The aim of this study was to test frequencies of mitochondrial haplogroups in healthy controls (n=422) and IDC patients (n=304) of a Caucasian Spanish population.

Mitochondrial haplogroups H and J: risk and protective factors for ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Since mitochondria are the principal source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), these organelles may play an important role in ischemic cardiomyopathy (IC) development. The mitochondrial genome may influence this disease. The aim of the present study was to test the relationship between IC development and the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defining the mitochondrial haplogroups in a population study.

Prevalence of donor-transmitted coronary artery disease and its influence on heart transplant outcomes.

Background: It is uncertain whether donor-transmitted coronary artery disease (DTCAD) affects heart transplant (HT) recipients.

Methods: This retrospective analysis includes records of all patients who underwent a HT at our center over an 8-year period, who survived for at least 1 month, and who were examined by coronary angiography within 2 months post-HT. We distinguished angiographically from keep ultrasonography (IVUS) detected DTCAD.

The efficacy and safety of ezetimibe for treatment of dyslipidemia after heart transplantation.

Introduction: Statins, although the treatment of choice for dyslipidemia after heart transplantation (HT), are not always well tolerated or effective. In such cases, administration of ezetimibe may be useful.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of ezetimibe, with or without statins, after HT.

Adverse effects of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors during the postoperative period after cardiac transplantation.

Introduction: Safety of treatment with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) in the postoperative period after heart transplantation (HT) is controversial.

Methods: We evaluated the incidence of postoperative complications (pericardial, pleural, and surgical wound complications) among nine de novo heart transplant recipients treated with mTORi compared with 19 patients who did not receive them during the same period (control group).

Results: No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding sex, age, body mass index, pretransplant diagnosis, history of diabetes mellitus, prior cardiac surgery, or baseline renal function.